U.S. patent number 9,501,099 [Application Number 13/656,605] was granted by the patent office on 2016-11-22 for electronic device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Creative Technology Ltd. The grantee listed for this patent is Creative Technology Ltd. Invention is credited to Thean Kuie Christopher Chang, Teck Chee Lee, Wong Hoo Sim.
United States Patent |
9,501,099 |
Sim , et al. |
November 22, 2016 |
Electronic device
Abstract
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device can
include one or more protrusions and a casing. The casing can be
shaped and dimensioned to carry the audio output portions. The
casing can include a first face, a second face and sides. The one
or more protrusions can extend from any of, or any combination of,
the first face, the second face and at least one of the sides.
Inventors: |
Sim; Wong Hoo (Singapore,
SG), Lee; Teck Chee (Singapore, SG), Chang;
Thean Kuie Christopher (Singapore, SG) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Creative Technology Ltd |
Singapore |
N/A |
SG |
|
|
Assignee: |
Creative Technology Ltd
(Singapore, SG)
|
Family
ID: |
54256492 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/656,605 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20140084014 A1 |
Mar 27, 2014 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
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Sep 27, 2012 [SG] |
|
|
201207216-1 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
1/1626 (20130101); G06F 1/1688 (20130101); H04R
3/14 (20130101); H04R 2499/11 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
1/16 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;361/730 ;220/669 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Ferguson; Dion R
Assistant Examiner: Buttar; Mandeep S
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Swerdon; Russell Gean; Desmund
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. An electronic device comprising: a plurality of audio output
portions corresponding to a plurality of speaker drivers
configurable to output audio signals; and a casing shaped and
dimensioned in a manner so as to form a plurality of protrusions,
each protrusion capable of carrying at least a portion of a
corresponding audio output portion, the casing comprising: a first
face carrying a display module; a second face; and sides, the first
and second faces being spaced apart in a manner such that the sides
are defined between them, and the first and second faces being
opposing faces of the casing, wherein the casing is further shaped
and dimensioned in a manner so as to form a plurality of corners,
and wherein a first protrusion of the plurality of protrusions
extends along the entire thickness of the casing between the first
face and the second face at a first corner and a second protrusion
of the plurality of protrusions extends along the entire thickness
of the casing between the first face and the second face at a
second corner.
2. The electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the number of
protrusions corresponds to the number of audio output portions.
3. The electronic device as in claim 1 wherein output of audio
output signals is one of controlled and varied in the context of
directivity of output of audio output signals via the plurality of
audio output portions.
4. The electronic device as in claim 1 wherein output of audio
output signals is one of controlled and varied in the context of at
least one of: impeding output of at least one of the plurality of
frequency ranges via at least a portion of the audio output
portions; and allowing output of only at least one of the plurality
of frequency ranges via at least a portion of the audio output
portions.
5. The electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the first corner
and the second corner are either laterally or diagonally positioned
to each other on the casing.
6. The electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the first
protrusion and second protrusion of the plurality of protrusions
are shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to prevent direct
contact between the display module and a surface on which the
electronic device is placed when the electronic device is placed
with the first face facing the surface.
7. The electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the casing is
further shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to form a
plurality of openings for pressure equalization.
8. The electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the casing is
further shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to include one or
more enclosures associated with the plurality of audio output
portions.
9. The electronic device as in claim 1, wherein the electronic
device further comprises an image capture module and/or a photonic
based detector/sensor.
10. The electronic device as in claim 9, wherein the casing is
further shaped and dimensioned to carry the image capture module
and/or the photonic based detector/sensor.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present disclosure generally relates an electronic device which
can accommodate speaker drivers with large dimensions without
having to substantially increase the electronic device real
estate.
BACKGROUND
Portable electronic devices such as electronic tablet devices are
becoming more and more popular. An electronic tablet device can be
used for entertainment purposes such as video and/or audio
playback. In this regard, an electronic tablet device can be
regarded as an electronic audio reproduction device having speaker
drivers for output of audio signals during audio playback.
When a conventional electronic audio reproduction device performs
audio payback, power rating of the speaker drivers can be
material.
Particularly, speaker drivers with high power ratings can be
capable of more powerful audio playback compared to speaker drivers
low power ratings. Conversely, audio playback using speaker drivers
with low power ratings can be less powerful compared to speaker
drivers with high power ratings.
Thus if more powerful audio playback is desired, it may be
necessary for the electronic audio reproduction device to have
speaker drivers with high power ratings.
Speaker drivers with high power ratings may have larger physical
dimensions compared to speaker drivers with low power ratings.
Conventional techniques to accommodate speaker drivers with high
power ratings include increasing real estate of the electronic
audio reproduction device.
Increasing real estate of the electronic reproduction device can be
a simple solution to facilitate the electronic audio reproduction
device in accommodating speaker drivers with high power ratings.
However increasing the electronic audio reproduction device real
estate may render the electronic audio reproduction device bulky
and/or aesthetically unpleasing.
It is therefore desirable to provide a solution to address at least
one of the foregoing problems of conventional techniques to
accommodate speaker drivers with high power ratings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic
device is provided. The electronic device can include one or more
audio output portions, one or more protrusions and a casing.
The casing can be shaped and dimensioned to carry the one or more
audio output portions. The casing can include a first face, a
second face and sides.
The first and second faces can be spaced apart in a manner such
that the sides can be defined between the first and second faces.
Additionally, the one or more protrusions can extend from any of,
or any combination of, the first face, the second face and at least
one of the sides.
In one embodiment, the casing can be shaped and dimensioned in a
manner so as to form the one or more protrusions. The one or more
protrusions can be capable of carrying the one or more audio output
portions.
In an exemplary event where there are a plurality of protrusions
and a plurality of audio output portions, the number of protrusions
can correspond to the number of audio output portions. Each
protrusion can carry a corresponding at least a portion of an audio
output portion.
In another embodiment, the one or more protrusions can correspond
to at least a portion of the one or more audio output portions
protruding from any of, or any combination of, the first face, the
second face and at least one of the sides of the casing.
In an exemplary event where there are a plurality of protrusions
and a plurality of audio output portions, the number of protrusions
can correspond to the number of audio output portions. Each
protrusion can correspond to at least a portion of an audio output
portion protruding from any of, or any combination of, the first
face, the second face and at least one of the sides of the
casing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the disclosure are described hereinafter with
reference to the following drawings, in which:
FIG. 1a shows an electronic device which can include a first
speaker driver, a second speaker driver, a third speaker driver and
a fourth speaker driver, according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
FIG. 1b shows an electronic device which can include a first
speaker driver and a second speaker driver, according to an
embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 1c shows an electronic device which can include a first
speaker driver, a second speaker driver and a third speaker driver,
according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 2a to FIG. 2h show that the electronic device of FIG. 1a can
include a plurality of protrusions, according to an embodiment of
the disclosure;
FIG. 3a shows that the electronic device can further include a
processing portion, according to an embodiment of the
disclosure;
FIG. 3b shows that electronic device can further include one or
more enclosures, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 3c shows the processing portion of FIG. 3a in further detail,
according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
FIG. 4a shows that the electronic device can be positioned in a
first orientation relative to a user, according to an embodiment of
the disclosure;
FIG. 4b shows that the electronic device can be positioned in a
second orientation relative to a user, according to an embodiment
of the disclosure; and
FIG. 5 shows an exemplary application of the electronic device,
according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Representative embodiments of the disclosure, for addressing one or
more of the foregoing problems associated with conventional
techniques to accommodate speaker drivers with high power ratings,
are described hereinafter with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5.
Referring to FIG. 1a to FIG. 1c, an electronic device 100 is shown
in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The electronic
device 100 can, for example, be an electronic tablet device.
The electronic device 100 can include a casing 102. The casing 102
can include a first face 102a, a second face 102b and sides 102c.
The first face 102a and the second face 102b are opposite each
other and are spaced apart such that sides 102c are defined between
the first and second faces 102a/102b. Additionally, the casing 102
can include a first corner 103a, a second corner 103b, a third
corner 103c and a fourth corner 103d.
The electronic device 100 can include one or more audio output
portions 104. Preferably, the electronic device 100 includes a
plurality of audio output portions 104. The electronic device 100
can, optionally, further include one or both of a display module
105 and an image capture module 106. The electronic device 100 can,
optionally, yet further include one or more photonic based
detectors/sensors (not shown).
The casing 102 can be shaped and dimensioned to carry the audio
output portions 104. The casing 102 can be further shaped and
dimensioned to carry the display module 105. The casing 102 can yet
be further shaped and dimensioned to carry the image capture module
106 and/or one or more photonic based detectors/sensors.
The audio output portions 104 can be carried at one or both of the
first face 102a and the second face 102b. For example, as shown in
FIG. 1a, the audio output portions 104 can be carried at the first
face 102a of the casing and can be arranged along the edges of the
first face 102a. The audio output portions 104 can, for example, be
speaker drivers configured to output audio signals.
Additionally, the display module 105, the image capture module 106
and the one or more photonic based detectors/sensors can be carried
at the first face 102a of the casing 102. The display module 105
can be positioned at substantially the center of the first face
102a and the image capture module 106 can be arranged along an edge
of the first face 102a. The photonic based detectors/sensors can be
arranged along an edge of the first face 102a.
The display module 105 can, for example, be a touch sensitive
screen such a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The image
capture module 106 can, for example, be a webcam or a camera sensor
with fisheye type lens. The aforementioned one or more photonic
based detectors/sensors can, for example, be one or more infrared
(IR) sensors. The display module 105, the image capture module 106
and the photonic based detectors/sensors will be discussed later in
further detail with reference to FIG. 3.
Earlier mentioned, the audio output portions 104 can be carried at
the first face 102a of the casing and can be arranged along the
edges of the first face 102a. Further earlier mentioned, the audio
output portions 104 can, for example, be speaker drivers.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1a, the audio output portions
104 can include a first speaker driver 104a, a second speaker
driver 104b, a third speaker driver 104c and a fourth speaker
driver 104d. The speaker drivers 104a/104b/104c/104d can be
positioned along the edges of the first face 102a such that a
speaker driver is located adjacent or at a corner of the first face
102a. For example, the first speaker driver 104a can be located
adjacent/at the first corner 103a, the second speaker driver 104b
can be located adjacent/at the second corner 103b, the third
speaker driver 104c can be located adjacent/at the third corner
103c and the fourth speaker driver 104d can be located adjacent/at
the fourth corner 103d.
In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1b, the audio output
portions 104 can include a first speaker driver 104a and a second
speaker driver 104b.
Preferably (as shown in FIG. 1b), the speaker drivers 104a/104b can
be positioned along the edges of the first face 102a such that they
are located adjacent or at diagonal corners of the casing 102. For
example, the first speaker driver 104a can be positioned
adjacent/at the first corner 103a and second speaker driver 104b
can be positioned adjacent/at the fourth corner 103d which is
diagonal to the first corner 103a.
Alternatively (not shown in FIG. 1b), the first and second speaker
drivers 104a/104b can be positioned along the edges of the first
face 102a such that they are located along opposing edges of the
first face 102a. For example, the first speaker 104a can be
positioned in the middle along a first edge of the first face 102a
and the second speaker 104b can be positioned in the middle along a
second edge of the first face 102a. The first edge is opposite the
second edge.
In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1c, the audio output
portions 104 can include a first speaker driver 104a, a second
speaker driver 104b and a third speaker driver 104c. The first
speaker driver 104a can be arranged along a first edge 108 of the
first face 102a. The second and third speaker drivers 104b/104c can
be arranged along a second edge 110 of the first face 102a. The
first edge 108 is opposite the second edge 110. For example, the
first speaker driver 104a can be positioned in the middle along the
first edge 108, the second speaker driver 104b can be positioned at
one end of the second edge 110 and the third speaker driver 104c
can be positioned at another end of the second edge 110.
In general, as discussed with reference to FIG. 1a to FIG. 1c, it
is preferable that the audio output portions 104 are arranged along
the edges of the first face 102a in a manner such that for one or
more audio output portions 104 arranged along one edge of the first
face 102a, one or more other audio output portions 104 are arranged
along an opposite edge of the first face 102a.
Referring to FIGS. 2a to 2h, the electronic device 100 can, in
accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, include one
or more protrusions 200. Preferably, the electronic device 100
includes a plurality of protrusions 200.
For the sake of clarity, FIG. 2a to FIG. 2h will be discussed with
reference to a plurality of protrusions 200. It is appreciable that
the following discussion can similarly apply to a scenario where
the electronic device 100 includes one protrusion 200.
FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c show a first exemplary arrangement where the
protrusions 200 can be extending/protruding from one or both of the
first face 102a and the second face 102b of the casing 102. FIG. 2d
to FIG. 2h show a second exemplary arrangement where the
protrusions 200 can be extending/protruding from at least one of
the sides 102c of the casing 102. Preferably, the protrusions 200
extend/protrude from the sides 102c of the casing 102.
In particular, FIG. 2a shows a first perspective view with
reference to the first face 102a of the casing 102. FIG. 2b shows a
second perspective view with reference to the second face 102b of
the casing 102. FIG. 2c shows a side view with reference to one of
the sides 102c of the casing 102. FIG. 2d shows, in one example,
the protrusions 200 can extend from any of, or any combination of,
the first to fourth corners 103a/103b/103c/103d of the casing 102.
FIG. 2e to FIG. 2h show that the protrusions 200 can be in various
shapes and/or sizes.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c, the protrusions
200 can extend from one or both of the first face 102a and the
second face 102b of the casing 102. FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c will be
discussed later in further detail.
In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2d, the protrusions 200 can
extend from the sides 102c of the casing 102. For example, a
protrusion 200 can extend from each of the first to fourth corners
103a/103b/103c/103d of the casing 102. Further, in addition to the
possibility that protrusions 200 can extend from the sides 102c of
the casing, it is also possible that the protrusions 200 can extend
from/relative to one or both of the first face 102a and the second
face 102b of the casing 102. For example, it is possible that not
only do the protrusions 200 extend from the sides 102c, it is also
possible that they further extend from/relative to one or both of
the first face 102a and the second face 102b. FIG. 2d will be
discussed later in further detail.
Preferably, the number of protrusions 200 corresponds to the number
of audio output portions 104. For example, as shown, the audio
output portions 104 can include a first speaker driver 104a, a
second speaker driver 104b, a third speaker driver 104c and a
fourth speaker driver 104d. In this regard, the protrusions 200 can
include a first protrusion, a second protrusion, a third protrusion
and a fourth protrusion corresponding to the first speaker driver
104a, the second speaker driver 104b, the third speaker driver 104c
and the fourth speaker driver 104d respectively.
Earlier mentioned, FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c show that the protrusions 200
can extend from one or both of the first face 102a and the second
face 102b of the casing 102. FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c will be discussed
in further detail hereinafter.
As shown in FIG. 2a, protrusions 200 can extend from the first face
102a of the casing 102.
In one embodiment, the protrusions 200 can correspond to the audio
output portions 104 protruding from the first face 102a of the
casing 102. For example, a protrusion 200 can correspond to an
audio output portion 104 or at least a portion of an audio output
portion 104 protruding from the first face 102a of the casing 102.
In this regard, it is appreciable that at least a portion of an
audio output portion 104 can be protruding from the first face 102a
of the casing 102, and can thus be exposed to view. The at least a
portion of the audio output portion 104, protruding from the casing
102 and exposed to view, can correspond to a protrusion 200.
In another embodiment, the casing 102 can be shaped and dimensioned
in a manner so as to form the protrusions 200 such that they extend
from the first face 102a of the casing 102. Additionally, the
casing 102 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to form
the protrusions 200 which can carry the audio output portions 104.
For example, a protrusion 200 can carry a corresponding audio
output portion 104 or at least a portion of a corresponding audio
output portion 104. More specifically, for example, the first
protrusion can carry the first speaker driver 104a or at least a
portion of the first speaker driver 104a. The second to fourth
protrusions can carry, respectively, the second to fourth speaker
drivers 104b/104c/104d or at least a portion of the second to
fourth speaker drivers 104b/104c/104d.
As shown in FIG. 2b, protrusions 200 can extend from the second
face 102b of the casing 102.
In one embodiment, the protrusions 200 can correspond to the audio
output portions 104 protruding from the second face 102b of the
casing 102. For example, a protrusion 200 can correspond to an
audio output portion 104 or at least a portion of an audio output
portion 104 protruding from the second face 102b of the casing 102.
In this regard, it is appreciable that at least a portion of an
audio output portion 104 can be protruding from the second face
102b of the casing 102, and can thus be exposed to view. The at
least a portion of the audio output portion 104, protruding from
the casing 102 and exposed to view, can correspond to a protrusion
200.
In another embodiment, the casing 102 can be shaped and dimensioned
in a manner so as to form the protrusions 200 such that they extend
from the second face 102b of the casing 102. Additionally, the
casing 102 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to form
the protrusions 200 which can carry the audio output portions 104.
For example, a protrusion 200 can carry a corresponding audio
output portion 104 or at least a portion of a corresponding audio
output portion 104. More specifically, for example, the first
protrusion can carry the first speaker driver 104a or at least a
portion of the first speaker driver 104a. The second to fourth
protrusions can carry, respectively, the second to fourth speaker
drivers 104b/104c/104d or at least a portion of the second to
fourth speaker drivers 104b/104c/104d.
Additionally, the second face 102b can include one or more
openings/perforations 202. Preferably, the second face 102b
includes a plurality of openings/perforations 202. The number of
openings/perforations 202 can be based on the number of audio
output portions 104. Preferably, the number of
openings/perforations 202 corresponds to the number of audio output
portions 104. For example, the plurality of openings/perforations
202 can include a first opening/perforation, a second
opening/perforation, a third opening/perforation and a fourth
opening/perforation corresponding to the first speaker driver 104a,
the second speaker driver 104b, the third speaker driver 104c and
the fourth speaker driver 104d respectively.
Furthermore, as will be discussed in further detail with reference
to FIG. 3, the openings/perforations 202 can be arranged on the
second face 102b based on the arrangement of the audio output
portions 104. Specifically, the arrangement of the
openings/perforations 202 on the second face 102b can be dependent
on the arrangement of the audio output portions 104.
Referring to FIG. 2c, a side view with reference to one of the
sides 102c of the casing 102 is shown. Particularly, FIG. 2c's side
view is a "see through" view which presents the arrangement of at
least a portion of the audio output portions 104 within the casing
102. As shown, the protrusions 200 can extend from the first and
second faces 102a/102b of the casing.
In one embodiment, the protrusions 200 can correspond to the audio
output portions 104 protruding from one or both of the first and
second faces 102a/102b of the casing 102. For example, a protrusion
200 can correspond to an audio output portion 104 or at least a
portion of an audio output portion 104 protruding from one or both
of the first and second faces 102a/102b of the casing 102. In this
regard, it is appreciable that at least a portion of an audio
output portion 104 can be protruding from one or both of the first
and second faces 102a/102b of the casing 102, and can thus be
exposed to view. The at least a portion of the audio output portion
104, protruding from the casing 102 and exposed to view, can
correspond to a protrusion 200.
In another embodiment, the casing 102 can be shaped and dimensioned
in a manner so as to form the protrusions 200 which can carry the
audio output portions 104. Additionally, the casing 102 can be
shaped and dimensioned to form the protrusions 200 in a manner such
that they extend from one or both of the first and second faces
102a/102b of the casing 102. For example, a protrusion 200 can
carry a corresponding audio output portion 104 or at least a
portion of a corresponding audio output portion 104. More
specifically, for example, the first protrusion can carry the first
speaker driver 104a or at least a portion of the first speaker
driver 104a. The second to fourth protrusions can carry,
respectively, the second to fourth speaker drivers 104b/104c/104d
or at least a portion of the second to fourth speaker drivers
104b/104c/104d.
Earlier mentioned, the number of protrusions 200 can correspond to
the number of audio output portions 104. For example, where the
number of audio output portions 104 is four (i.e., first to fourth
speaker drivers 104a/104b/104c/104d), the number of protrusions 200
can be four (i.e., first to fourth protrusions).
The protrusions 200 discussed with reference to FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c
can be helpful in protecting the electronic device 100. In one
example, when the electronic device 100 is placed on a flat surface
(not shown), direct contact between of the flat surface and any of
the first face 102a, the second face 102b, the display module 105
and/or the image capture module 106 can be prevented. In this
manner, scratches to the first face 102a, the second face 102b, the
display module 105 and/or the image capture module 106 can be
prevented. In another example, when the electronic device 100 is
accidentally dropped from an elevated position (not shown), the
protrusions 200 can help prevent substantial damage such as impact
damage and/or shock damage to the first face 102a, the second face
102b, the display module 105 and/or the image capture module
106.
Earlier mentioned, FIG. 2d shows that the protrusions 200 can
extend from the sides 102c of the casing 102. FIG. 2d will be
discussed in further detail hereinafter.
Referring to FIG. 2d, the protrusions 200 can extend from the sides
102c of the casing 102. For example, the first protrusion, the
second protrusion, the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion
can extend from the first corner 103a, the second corner 103b, the
third corner 103c and the fourth corner 103d respectively.
Additionally, any of or any combination of the first to fourth
protrusions can optionally extend from/relative to one or both of
the first and second faces 102a/102b.
Thus it is appreciable that a protrusion 200 can, in one example,
extend from a side 102c and, at the same time, extend relative to
one or both of the first and second faces 102a/102b. In this
regard, the protrusion 200 need not necessarily extend directly
from one or both of the first and second faces 102a/102b.
In one embodiment, the protrusions 200 can correspond to the audio
output portions 104 protruding from the sides 102c of the casing
102. The protrusions can further correspond to the audio output
portions 104 protruding from/relative to one or both of the first
face 102a and the second face 102b of the casing 102. For example,
a protrusion 200 can correspond to an audio output portion 104 or
at least a portion of an audio output portion 104 protruding from
the first face 102a, the second face 102b and/or the side 102c of
the casing 102. In this regard, it is appreciable that at least a
portion of an audio output portion 104 can be protruding
from/relative to one or both of the first and second faces
102a/102b and/or sides 102c of the casing 102, and can thus be
exposed to view. The at least a portion of the audio output portion
104, protruding from the casing 102 and exposed to view, can
correspond to a protrusion 200.
In another embodiment, the casing 102 can be shaped and dimensioned
in a manner so as to form the protrusions 200 which can carry the
audio output portions 104. For example, a protrusion 200 can carry
a corresponding audio output portion 104 or at least a portion of a
corresponding audio output portion 104. More specifically, for
example, the first protrusion can carry the first speaker driver
104a or at least a portion of the first speaker driver 104a. The
second to fourth protrusions can carry, respectively, the second to
fourth speaker drivers 104b/104c/104d or at least a portion of the
second to fourth speaker drivers 104b/104c/104d.
Earlier mentioned, the number of protrusions 200 can correspond to
the number of audio output portions 104. For example, where the
number of audio output portions 104 is four (i.e., first to fourth
speaker drivers 104a/104b/104c/104d), the number of protrusions 200
can be four (i.e., first to fourth protrusions).
Earlier discussed with reference to FIG. 2a to FIG. 2c, the
protrusions 200 can be helpful in protecting the electronic device
100. In the case of FIG. 2d, in addition to protecting the
electronic device 100, the protrusions 200 extending from the first
face 102a, the second face 102b and/or the sides 102c of the casing
102 can further be useful in a situation where more powerful
speaker drivers (e.g., the first to fourth speaker drivers
104a/104b/104c/104d) are desired.
Speaker drivers which are associated with more power (i.e., speaker
drivers having higher power ratings) may have larger physical
dimensions compared to their lower powered counterparts (i.e.,
speaker drivers having lower power ratings). Thus to incorporate
higher powered speaker drivers (i.e., audio output portions 104),
there may be a need to increase the electronic device 100 real
estate. Increasing the electronic device 100 real estate may render
the electronic estate 100 bulky and aesthetically unpleasing. Thus
increasing the electronic device 100 real estate to accommodate
higher powered speaker drivers may be undesirable.
Appreciably, by having protrusions 200 extending from the first
face 102a, the second face 102b and/or the sides 102c of the casing
102, a speaker driver or at least a portion of a speaker driver can
effectively be protruding from the first face 102a, the second face
102b and/or the sides 102c of the casing 102. In such a case, if
speaker drivers having larger physical dimensions are to be used in
the electronic device 100, the need to increase the electronic
device 100 real estate may be mitigated.
Furthermore, the protrusions 200 can be such that they are shaped
and dimensioned not to be too noticeable/not too obstructive such
that the electronic device 100 is not rendered aesthetic
unpleasing. For example, the protrusions 200 can be in the form of
curved/enlarged rounded corners. More specifically, for example,
the first to fourth corners 103a/103b/103c/103d can be enlarged so
as to allow corresponding first to fourth speaker drivers
104a/104b/104c/104d to effectively protrude from the first face
102a, the second face 102b and/or the sides 102c of the casing 102.
Moreover, the protrusions 200 can be in various shapes and/or sizes
as shown in, but not limited to, FIG. 2e to FIG. 2h.
In this manner, speaker drivers having larger physical dimensions
(e.g., speaker drivers having higher power ratings compared to
speaker drivers having lower power ratings) can be used in the
electronic device 100 without having to significantly increase the
electronic device 100 real estate and/or without having to render
the electronic device 100 aesthetically unpleasing.
FIG. 3a provides a plane view of the electronic device 100 looking
at and/or through the first face 102a of the casing 102. As shown,
the electronic device 100 can further include a processing portion
300. The casing 102 can be shaped and dimensioned to carry the
processing portion 300. For example, the processing portion 300 can
be disposed within the casing 102.
The processing portion 300 can be coupled to one or both of the
display module 105 and the image capture module 106. Additionally,
the image capture module 106 can be coupled to one or both of the
display module 105 and the processing portion 300. Moreover, the
photonic based detectors/sensors can be coupled to the processing
portion 300 and/or the display module 105. The processing portion
300 can be further coupled to the audio output portions 104.
The display module 105 can be configured to communicate input
signals to the processing portion 300. The processing portion 300
can be configured to receive and process the input signals to
produce output signals. The output signals can be communicated to
the display module 105. The display module 105 can be further
configured to display the output signals.
The image capture module 106 can be configured to capture images
and communicate image signals based on the captured images. Image
signals can be communicated from the image capture module 106 to
one or both of the display module 105 and the processing portion
300. Image signals can be communicated from the image capture
module 106 to the display module 105 for display. Image signals can
be communicated from the image capture module 106 to the processing
portion 300 for further processing to produce processed image
signals. Processed image signals can be communicated from the
processing portion 300 to the display module 105 for display.
The photonic based detectors/sensors can be configured to
sense/detect optical signals such as IR signals. The photonic based
detectors/sensors can be further configured to communicate the
detected optical signals to one or both of the display module 105
and the processing portion 300. The optical signals can be
communicated from the photonic based detectors/sensors to the
processing portion 300 for processing to produce processed optical
signals.
Earlier mentioned the audio output portions 104 can, for example,
include a first speaker driver 104a, a second speaker driver 104b,
a third speaker driver 104c and a fourth speaker driver 104d. In
this regard, the processing portion 300 can be coupled to each of
the first to fourth speaker drivers 104a/104b/104c/104d.
The processing portion 300 can be configured to communicate audio
signals to each or any combination of the first to fourth speaker
drivers 104a/104b/104c/104d for output. Thus the audio output
portions 104 can be configured to output audio signals communicated
from the processing portion 300 as will be discussed in further
detail with reference to FIG. 3b and FIG. 3c.
In addition, the electronic device 100 and the processing portion
300 will be shown in further detail with reference to FIG. 3b and
FIG. 3c. For the sake of clarity, the display module 105 will not
be shown in FIG. 3b and FIG. 3c.
Referring to FIG. 3b, the electronic device 100 can further include
one or more enclosures 302. Particularly, the casing 102 of the
electronic device 100 can be shaped and dimensioned to carry one or
more enclosures 302. More particularly, the enclosures 302 can be
formed within the casing 102. For example, the casing 102 can be
shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to form the enclosures 302
within the casing 102.
Preferably, the number or enclosures 302 corresponds to the number
of audio output portions 104. Each audio output portion 104 can be
substantially enclosed/surrounded by an enclosure 302.
For example, the audio output portions 104 can include a first
speaker driver 104a, a second speaker driver 104b, a third speaker
driver 104c and a fourth speaker driver 104d. In this regard, the
number of audio output portions 104 is four. Therefore, there can
be four enclosures 302. For example, there can be a first enclosure
302a, a second enclosure 302b, a third enclosure 302c and a fourth
enclosure 302d substantially surrounding/enclosing the first
speaker driver 104a, the second speaker driver 104b, the third
speaker driver 104c and the fourth speaker driver 104d
respectively.
Earlier mentioned, openings/perforations 202 can be arranged on the
second face 102b based on the arrangement of the audio output
portions 104. Specially, at least one opening/perforation 202 can
be defined or provided within an enclosure 302. For example, an
opening/perforation 202 can be defined or provided in each of the
aforementioned first enclosure to fourth enclosure
302a/302b/302c/302d.
Earlier mentioned, each enclosure 302 can be shaped and dimensioned
in a manner so as to surround/enclose an audio output portion 104.
Thus the audio output portions 104 determine the arrangement of the
one or more enclosures 302 within the casing 102. Furthermore, at
least one opening/perforation can be defined or provided within
each of the one or more enclosures 302. In this manner, the
arrangement of the openings/perforations 202 on the second face
102b can be considered to be dependent on the arrangement of the
audio output portions 104.
The enclosures 302 and corresponding openings/perforations 202 can
facilitate equalizing of pressure. Specifically pressure in the
enclosures 302 can be equalized with respect to the environment
(i.e., outside of the electronic device 100). This is made possible
by the openings/perforations 202. Appreciably, to facilitate
pressure equalizing, the openings/perforations 202 should not be
substantially obstructed/blocked.
Earlier mentioned, in one embodiment, protrusions 200 can extend
from the second face 102b of the casing 102. Thus in a situation
where the electronic device 100 is placed on a flat surface such as
a tabletop with the second face 102b facing the flat surface, it is
appreciable that the protrusions 200 can effectively elevate the
electronic device 100 from the flat surface such that the
openings/perforations 202 on the second face 102b are not
covered/blocked by the flat surface. In this manner, the
openings/perforations 202 remain substantially unobstructed even if
the electronic device 100 is placed on a flat surface with the
second face 102b facing the flat surface.
By allowing pressure equalizing, audio output performance,
especially audio output performance of low frequency range audio
signals (i.e., bass audio range), can be improved. In this regard,
the enclosures 302 and perforations/openings 202 can function as
some form of bass tuning to improve audio output performance of low
frequency range audio signals. Thus audio output performance,
especially bass performance, of the electronic device 100 can be
improved.
Audio signals and frequency ranges (i.e., low frequency range audio
signals as mentioned above, mid frequency range audio signals
and/or high frequency range audio signals) associated with audio
signals will be discussed later in further detail.
FIG. 3c shows the processing portion 300 in further detail. As
shown, the processing portion 300 can include a sensor unit 304, a
central processor unit 306, a storage unit 308 and an audio
processor unit 310.
The sensor unit 304 can be coupled to one or both of the central
processor unit 306 and the audio processor unit 310. The central
processor unit 306 can be coupled to one or both of the display
module 105 and the image capture module 106. The central processor
unit 306 can be further coupled to any of, or any combination of,
the sensor unit 304, the storage unit 308, the audio processor unit
310 and the aforementioned one or more photonic based
sensors/detectors. Additionally, the storage unit 308 can be
coupled to one or both of the central processor unit 306 and the
audio processor unit 310. The audio processor unit 310 can be
coupled to the audio output portions 104.
The sensor unit 304 can be configured to sense/detect, for example,
orientation and/or movement of the electronic device 100 as will be
discussed later in further detail with reference to FIG. 4. The
sensor unit 304 can, for example, be a device such as a gyroscope,
a digital compass or an accelerometer. Thus the sensor unit 304
can, for example, correspond to one or more gyroscopes, one or more
digital compasses and/or one or more accelerometers.
The central processor unit 306 can be coupled to the display module
105 in a manner so as to receive input signals communicated from
the display module 105. The central processor unit 306 can be
further coupled to the image capture module 106 in a manner so as
to receive image signals communicated from the image capture module
106. The central processor unit 306 can yet be further coupled to
the sensor unit 304 in a manner so as to receive sensor signals
communicated from the sensor unit 304. Moreover, the central
processor unit 306 can be coupled to the one or more photonic based
sensors/detectors in a manner so as to receive optical signals
detected by and communicated from the one or more photonic based
sensors/detectors.
The central processor portion 306 can be configured to process any
one of, or any combination of, the input signals, image signals,
sensor signals and optical signals to produce one or both of
control signals and output signals. The central processor unit 306
can be further configured to process image signals and the optical
signals to produce processed image signals and processed optical
signals respectively. The output signals, the processed image
signals and/or the processed optical signals can be communicated
from the central processor unit 306 to the display module 105 for
display.
The control signals can be communicated from the central processor
unit 306 to any of the sensor unit 304, the storage unit 308 and
the audio processor unit 310, or any combination thereof. Therefore
control signals can be communicated from the central processor unit
306 to control the sensor unit 304, the storage unit 308 and/or the
audio processor unit 310.
Appreciably, control signals can be produced by the central
processor unit 306 based on the input signals, the image signals,
optical signals and/or the sensor signals.
The storage unit 308 can be configured to store one or more
electronic audio files such as MP3, MP4 and WMA based audio files.
An audio file can be associated with audio signals having audio
characteristics such as frequency characteristics and phase
characteristics. Other examples of audio characteristics can
include amplitude and channel characteristics.
Frequency characteristics of an audio file can relate to the
frequency of each audio signal associated with the audio file. Thus
appreciably, an audio file can be associated with a plurality of
frequency ranges. The plurality of frequency ranges can, for
example, include low frequency range audio signals (e.g., between
20 Hz and 200 Hz), mid frequency range audio signals (e.g., between
201 Hz and 5 KHz) and/or high frequency range audio signals (e.g.,
between more than 5 KHz and 20 KHz).
Additionally, an audio signal, when recorded, can be recorded in a
manner such that it is more suitably audibly perceived by either
the left ear of a user or a right ear of a user. In this regard, an
audio file may include audio signals that are more suitable for
audio perception by the left ear of a user. An audio file may
further include audio signals that are more suitable for audio
perception by the right ear of the user. An audio file may yet
further include audio signals that are suitable for audio
perception by the left and right ears of a user. Therefore an audio
signal can be associated with audio characteristics which may be
indicative of appropriate channel output.
Thus channel characteristics of an audio signal can relate to
appropriate channel output.
For example, as will also be discussed later with reference to FIG.
4, a speaker system having at least a left channel speaker output
and a right channel speaker output can be configured to output
audio output signals based on an audio file. Audio signals
associated with the audio file recorded to be more suitably
perceived audibly by the left ear of a user can be associated with
channel characteristics indicative that they should be more
appropriately output via the left channel speaker output. Audio
signals associated with the audio file recorded to be more suitably
perceived audibly by the right ear of the user can be associated
with channel characteristics indicative that they should be more
appropriately output via the right channel speaker output.
In this regard, channel characteristics of audio signals can relate
to at least of one of left channel output and right channel output.
Left channel output can relate to the aforementioned output of
audio signals via the left channel speaker output of a speaker
system. Right channel output can relate to the aforementioned
output of audio signals via the right channel speaker output of a
speaker system.
The storage unit 308 can be configured to communicate an electronic
audio file to the audio processor unit 310 based on control signals
received from the central processor unit 306. Of course, it is
understood that the storage unit 308 can be located in the
electronic device 100 and/or in a remote location outside of the
electronic device 100. In this regard, electronic audio files can
be communicated to the audio processor unit 310 from a remote
location via a communication network. In one example, electronic
audio files can be streamed from the internet. In another example,
the storage unit 308 can be associated with Cloud based
storage.
The audio processor unit 310 can be configured to process the
electronic audio file in a manner so as to produce audio output
signals which can be communicated to and output at the audio output
portions 104.
In this regard, audio processor unit 310 can be configured to
receive audio signals associated with the audio file for processing
to produce audio output signals. Therefore audio signals received
by the audio processor unit 310 can be considered to be audio input
signals. Thus audio input signals can be received and processed by
the audio processor unit 310 to produce audio output signals.
Audio input signals can, for example, be processed by the audio
processor unit 310 such that audio characteristics of the audio
input signals can be varied based on one or both of control signals
and sensor signals as will be discussed later in further detail
with reference to FIG. 4. For example, any one of, or any
combination of, frequency characteristics, phase characteristics
and amplitude of audio input signals can be varied by the audio
processor unit 310.
The audio processor unit 310 can be further configured to
vary/control output of the audio output signals based on one or
both of control signals and sensor signals as will be discussed in
further detail later with reference to FIG. 4.
In one example, output of the audio output signals can be
varied/controlled in the context of directivity of output of the
audio output signals. In another example, output of the audio
output signals can be varied/controlled in the context of allowing
and/or impeding output of audio output signals via at least a
portion of the audio output portions 104. In yet another example,
output of the audio output signals can be varied/controlled in the
context of channel output of the audio output signals. In yet a
further example, output of the audio output signals can be
varied/controlled in the context of directivity of output of the
audio output signals, channel output of the audio output signals
and allowing and/or impeding output of audio output signals via at
least a portion of the audio output portions 104. Other examples
include varying/controlling audio output signals in the context of
three dimensional (3D) audio positioning on the output of the audio
output signals.
The manner in which audio characteristics of the audio input
signals can be varied, by the audio processor unit 310, based on
one or both of control signals and sensor signals and/or the manner
in which the audio processor unit 310 can be further configured to
vary/control output of the audio output signals based on one or
both of control signals and sensor signals will be discussed in
further detail hereinafter with reference with FIG. 4.
FIG. 4a shows the electronic device 100 positioned in a first
orientation 400a relative to a user 410. FIG. 4b shows the
electronic device 100 positioned in a second orientation 400b
relative to a user 410.
Referring to FIG. 4a, the first orientation 400a can, for example,
be a landscape orientation. Therefore, the electronic device 100
can be positioned in a landscape orientation relative to the user
410. Referring to FIG. 4b, the second orientation 400b can, for
example, be a portrait orientation. Therefore, the electronic
device 100 can be positioned in a portrait orientation relative to
the user 410.
The manner in which the audio processor unit 310 can be configured
to vary/control output of the audio output signals based on one or
both of control signals and sensor signals will be first discussed
followed by the manner in which audio characteristics of the audio
input signals can be varied, by the audio processor unit 310, based
on one or both of control signals and sensor signals.
Earlier mentioned, output of the audio output signals can be
varied/controlled in the context of: 1) directivity of output of
the audio output signals; 2) channel output of the audio output
signals; 3) allowing and/or impeding output of audio output signals
via at least a portion of the audio output portions 104; and/or 4)
3D audio positioning on the output of the audio output signals.
Based on the first orientation 400a and the second orientation
400b, audio output signals can be output via the audio output
portions 104 in a first set of directions 420 and a second set of
directions 430 respectively. In this regard, output of audio output
signals based on the first orientation 400a and the second
orientation 400b can be associated with a first set of directions
420 and a second set of directions 430 respectively.
The first set of directions 420 and the second set of directions
430 can, for example, be such that audio signals are output from
each of the first to fourth speaker drivers 104a/104b/104c/104d in
a direction towards the user 410. Directivity of output of the
audio output signals can correspond to output of the audio output
signals in the first set of directions 420 and/or the second set of
directions 430.
In an exemplary scenario where the orientation of the electronic
device 100 is changed from the first orientation 400a to the second
orientation 400b, it is appreciable that, in the second orientation
400b, the position of each of the first to fourth speaker drivers
104a/104b/104c/104d relative to the user 410 may be changed as
compared to the position of each of the first to fourth speaker
drivers 104a/104b/104c/104d relative to the user 410 when in the
first orientation 400a.
Therefore, based on the change in positions of the first to fourth
speaker drivers 104a/104b/104c/104d relative to the user 410 due to
the change in orientation (e.g., from the first orientation 400a to
the second orientation 400b) of the electronic device 100, it may
be desirable to change direction of output of audio output signals
via each of the audio output portions 104 from the first set of
directions 420 to the second set of directions 430.
Appreciably, by changing directivity of output of audio output
signals from the first set of directions 420 to the second set of
directions 430, directivity of output of the audio output signals
from each of the first to fourth speaker drivers
104a/104b/104c/104d can be considered to be varied/changed when the
orientation of the electronic device 100 is changed from the first
orientation 400a to the second orientation 400b.
Of course, although the foregoing exemplary scenario discusses
change in direction of output signals of audio output signals from
each of the first to fourth speaker drives 104a/104b/104c/104d in
the context of the first set of directions 420 and the second set
of directions 430 being toward the user 410, it is appreciable that
one or more portions of the first set of directions 420 and the
second set of directions 430 can be away from the user 410.
For example, when in the first orientation 400a, the first and
third speaker drivers 104a/104c can be configured to output audio
output signals away from the user 410. The second and fourth
speaker drivers 104b/104d can be configured to output audio output
signals toward the user 410. When in the second orientation 400b,
the first and second speaker drivers 104a/104b can be configured to
output audio output signals away from the user 410 instead of the
first and third speaker drivers 104a/104c when in the first
orientation 400a. Additionally, when in the second orientation
400b, the third and fourth speaker drivers 104c/104d can be
configured to output audio output signals toward the user 410
instead of the second and fourth speaker drivers 104b/104d when in
the first orientation 400a.
In a more specific example, when the electronic device 100 is in
the first orientation 400a, the first speaker driver 104a can be
configured to output audio output signals at a direction towards a
predetermined location which is a distance from the left of the
user 410 and the third speaker driver 104c can be configured to
output audio output signals at a direction towards a predetermined
location which is a distance from the right of the user 410.
Additionally, when in the first orientation 400a, the second and
fourth speaker drivers 104b/104d can be configured to output audio
output signals toward the user 410. When there is a change in
orientation of the electronic device 100 from the first orientation
400a to the second orientation 400b, the first speaker 104a can be
configured to output audio output signals at a direction towards a
predetermined location which is a distance from the right of the
user 410 and the second speaker driver 104b can be configured to
output audio output signals at a direction towards a predetermined
location which is a distance from the left of the user 410.
Additionally, when in the second orientation 400b, the third and
fourth speaker drivers 104c/104d can be configured to output audio
output signals toward the user 410.
Apart from controlling/varying output of audio output signals in
the context of directivity of output of audio output signals from
the audio output portions 104, it is also possible to control/vary
output of audio output signals in the context of channel output of
the audio output signals.
Earlier mentioned, a speaker system having at least a left channel
speaker output and a right channel speaker output can be configured
to output audio output signals based on an audio file.
Audio signals associated with the audio file recorded to be more
suitably perceived audibly by the left ear of a user can be
associated with channel characteristics indicative that they should
be more appropriately output via the left channel speaker
output.
The audio output portions 104 of the electronic device 100 can be
considered to be a speaker system.
In this regard, when in the first orientation 400a, the first and
second speaker drivers 104a/104b can be considered to be the
aforementioned left channel speaker output. The third and fourth
speaker drivers 104c/104d can be considered to be the
aforementioned right channel speaker output.
Furthermore, when in the second orientation 400b, the second and
fourth speaker drivers 104b/104d can be considered to be the
aforementioned left channel speaker output. The first and third
speaker drivers 104a/104c can be considered to be the
aforementioned right channel speaker output.
Audio input signals associable with left channel output audio
characteristics can be processed by, for example, the audio
processor unit 310 to produce audio output signals associable with
left channel output audio characteristics. Furthermore, audio input
signals associable with right channel output audio characteristics
can be processed by, for example, the audio processor unit 310 to
produce audio output signals associable with right channel output
audio characteristics.
When the electronic device 100 is initially positioned in the first
orientation 400a, audio output signals associable with left channel
output audio characteristics can be output by the first speaker
driver 104a and/or second speaker driver 104b. Additionally, audio
output signals associable with right channel output audio
characteristics can be output by the third speaker driver 104c
and/or fourth speaker driver 104d.
When orientation of the electronic device 100 is changed from the
first orientation 400a to the second orientation 400b, audio output
signals associable with left channel output audio characteristics
can be output by the second speaker driver 104b and/or fourth
speaker driver 104d. Additionally, audio output signals associable
with right channel output audio characteristics can be output by
the first speaker driver 104a and/or third speaker driver 104c.
In this regard, when the electronic device 100 is positioned in the
first orientation 400a, a portion of the audio output portions 104
(e.g., the first speaker driver 104a and second speaker driver
104b) can be considered to be left channel speaker output and
another portion of the audio output portions 104 (e.g., the third
speaker driver 104c and fourth speaker driver 104d) can be
considered to be right channel speaker output. Furthermore, when
the electronic device 100 is positioned in the second orientation
400b, a portion of the audio output portions 104 (e.g., the second
speaker driver 104b and fourth speaker driver 104d) can be
considered to be left channel speaker output and another portion of
the audio output portions 104 (e.g., the first speaker driver 104a
and third speaker driver 104c) can be considered to be right
channel speaker output.
Therefore, it is appreciable that the portion of audio output
portions 104 considered to be left channel speaker output in the
first orientation 400a and the portion of audio output portions 104
considered to be left channel speaker output in the second
orientation 400b can be different. Similarly, the portion of audio
output portions 104 considered to be right channel speaker output
in the first orientation 400a and the portion of audio output
portions 104b considered to be right channel speaker output in the
second orientation 400b can be different.
It is further appreciable that audio output signals associable with
left channel output audio characteristics can be output by the left
channel speaker output regardless of change in orientation of the
electronic device 100. Similarly, audio output signals associable
with right channel output audio characteristics can be output by
the right channel speaker output regardless of change in
orientation of the electronic device 100.
In one embodiment, the audio processor unit 310 can be configured
in a manner so as to allow output of audio output signals
associable with left channel output audio characteristics and audio
output signals associable with right channel output audio
characteristics by the aforementioned left channel speaker output
and right channel speaker output respectively.
Apart from controlling/varying output of audio output signals in
the context of directivity of output of audio output signals from
the audio output portions 104 and/or control/vary output of audio
output signals in the context of channel output of the audio output
signals, it is also possible to control/vary output of audio output
signals in the context of allowing and/or impeding output of audio
output signals via at least a portion of the audio output portions
104.
Particularly, in one embodiment, it is also possible to impede
output of one or more specific frequency ranges of the
aforementioned plurality of frequency ranges via at least a portion
of the audio output portions 104. For example, it is possible to
impede output of any of, or any combination of, the low frequency
range audio signals, the mid frequency range audio signals and the
high frequency range audio signals via any of, or any combination
of, the aforementioned first to fourth speaker drivers
104a/104b/104c/104d.
In another embodiment, it is also possible to allow only output of
one or more specific frequency ranges of the plurality of frequency
ranges via at least a portion of the audio output portions 104. For
example, it is possible to specifically allow only output of any
of, or any combination of, the low frequency range audio signals,
the mid frequency range audio signals and the high frequency range
audio signals via any of, or any combination of, the aforementioned
first to fourth speaker drivers 104a/104b/104c/104d.
In yet another embodiment, it is also possible to allow only output
of one or more specific frequency ranges of the plurality of
frequency ranges via at least a portion of the audio output
portions 104 and, at the same time, impede output of one or more
specific frequency ranges of the plurality of frequency ranges via
at least a portion of the audio output portions 104.
In an exemplary situation, when the electronic device 100 is in the
first orientation 400a, at least a portion of the audio output
portions 104 such as the first and third speaker drivers 104a/104c
can be configured to allow output of only high and mid frequency
range audio signals associated with an audio file. Additionally, at
least a portion of the audio output portions 104 such as the second
and fourth speaker drivers 104b/104d can be configured to impede
output of high and mid frequency range audio signals and allow only
output of low frequency range audio signals associated with an
audio file.
Further, in the exemplary situation, when there is a change in
orientation of the electronic device 100 (e.g., from the first
orientation 400a to the second orientation 400b), the first and
second speaker drivers 104a/104b can be configured to allow output
of only high and mid frequency range audio signals associated with
an audio file instead of the first and third speaker drivers
104a/104c when in the first orientation 400a. Additionally, when in
the second orientation 400b, the third and fourth speaker drivers
104c/104d can be configured to impede output of high and mid
frequency range audio signals and allow only output of low
frequency range audio signals associated with an audio file instead
of the second and fourth speaker drivers 104b/104d when the
electronic device 100 is in the first orientation 400a.
Apart from controlling/varying output of audio output signals in
the context of directivity of output of audio output signals from
the audio output portions 104, control/vary output of audio output
signals in the context of channel output of the audio output
signals and/or control/vary output of audio output signals in the
context of allowing and/or impeding output of audio output signals
via at least a portion of the audio output portions 104, it is also
possible to control/vary output of audio output signals in the
context of 3D audio positioning on the output of the audio output
signals.
In general, 3D audio positioning can be considered to be a group of
sound processing algorithm which can manipulate audio image
produced by the audio output portions 104. This may be related to
virtual placement of sound sources in three dimensional space such
as behind, below and/or above the user 410.
For example, when the electronic device 100 is in the first
orientation 400a, the audio output portions 104 may be configured
to output audio output signals in a manner such that the audio
image produced can be audibly perceived by the user 410 to be above
him/her (i.e., the user 410). When there is a change in orientation
of the electronic device 100 (e.g., from the first orientation 400a
to the second orientation 400b), the audio output portions 104 may
be configured to output audio output signals in a manner such that
the audio image produced can be audibly perceived by the user 410
to be below him/her (i.e., the user 410).
Output of the audio output signals can be varied/controlled based
on sensor signals communicated from the sensor unit 304. The sensor
unit 304 can be configured to sense/detect change in orientation of
the electronic device 100 and communicate sensor signals indicative
of change in orientation of the electronic device 100.
For example, sensor signals can be communicated from the sensor
unit 304 to the audio processor unit 310. The audio processor unit
310 can be configured to control/vary output of the audio output
signals based on the sensor signals.
Alternatively, output of the audio output signals can be
varied/controlled based on control signals communicated from the
central processor unit 306.
In one embodiment, sensor signals can be communicated from the
sensor unit 304 to the central processor unit 306. The central
processor unit 306 can be configured to receive and process the
sensor signals to produce control signals which can be communicated
to the audio processor unit 310. The audio processor unit 310 can
be configured to control/vary output of the audio output signals
based on the control signals. In this regard, the control signals
can be indicative of change in orientation of the electronic device
100.
In another embodiment, image signals can be communicated from the
image capture module 106. Image signals can be based on captured
images of one or more user gestures. For example, the user 410 can,
by waving his/her hand or moving his/her finger, provide a circular
motion based gesture. The circular motion based gesture can, for
example, be indicative of change in orientation of the electronic
device 100. Image signals based on captured images of one or more
user gestures such as the aforementioned circular motion based
gesture can be communicated to the central processor unit 306 for
processing to produce control signals. The control signals can be
communicated to the audio processor unit 310. The audio processor
unit 310 can be configured to control/vary output of the audio
output signals based on the control signals.
In yet another embodiment, the audio processor unit 310 can be
configured to control/vary output of the audio output signals based
on the sensor signals and the control signals.
Therefore, it is appreciable that controlling/varying output of
audio output signals need not necessarily be based on physical
positioning/physical change in orientation of the electronic device
100. Controlling/varying the output of audio output signals can
also be possible even if the electronic device 100 remains
stationary. For example, output of audio output signals can be
varied/controlled based on captured images of one or more user
gestures.
Earlier mentioned, audio characteristics of the audio input signals
can be varied/controlled, by the audio processor unit 310, based on
one or both of control signals and sensor signals.
Audio characteristics can include any of, or any combination of,
frequency characteristics, phase characteristics and amplitude.
Preferably, prior to varying/controlling output of the audio output
signals due to, for example, change in orientation/movement of the
electronic device 100, the audio output portions 104 can be
calibrated. Therefore the audio output portions can be initially
calibrated prior to change in, for example, orientation/movement of
the electronic device 100. In one example, the audio output
portions 104 can be calibrated in a manner such that audio
characteristics of audio output signals being output from each of
the audio output portions 104 are substantially similar to audio
characteristics of the audio input signals. Specifically, audio
characteristics of the audio input signals remain substantially
unchanged when they are output as audio output signals from each of
the audio output portions. In another example, the audio output
portions 104 can be calibrated in a manner so as to
compensate/balance output of audio output signals. Specifically, in
one example, if the aforementioned left channel output is audibly
perceived to be louder than the aforementioned right channel
output, the audio output portions 104 can be calibrated to
compensate, by manner of boosting, the loudness of the
aforementioned right channel output so that the loudness of the
left channel output and the right channel output can be audibly
perceived to be balanced. Conversely, the audio output portions 104
can be calibrated to compensate, by manner of attenuating, the
loudness of the aforementioned left channel output so that the
loudness of the left channel output and the right channel output
can be audibly perceived to be balanced. Other examples include
calibrating the audio output portions 104 such that the frequency
response of the left channel output and the frequency response of
the right channel output are substantially similar initially (i.e.,
prior to, for example, change in orientation of the electronic
device 100). In this regard the audio output portions 104 can
generally be calibrated such that they can have an initial output
response (i.e., initial frequency response/initial loudness etc)
prior to, for example, change in orientation of the electronic
device 100. Yet other examples include calibrating the audio output
portions 104 to compensate for difference in the shape/size of the
enclosures 302. For example, there can be a difference in
shape/size between the first enclosure 302a and the second
enclosure 302b. Appreciably, the difference in shape and size may
cause some variance in the aforementioned audio characteristics. By
calibrating the audio output portions 104, such variance can be at
least reduced or rendered insignificant/negligible.
In one embodiment, based on one or both of control signals and
sensor signals, frequency characteristics of the audio input
signals can be varied/controlled. For example, referring to FIG.
3c, FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b, the audio processor unit 310 can be
configured to one or both of boost and attenuate signal amplitudes
of low frequency range audio signals in a manner such that low
frequency range audio output signals being output via the second
and fourth speaker drivers 104b/104d can be boosted whereas low
frequency range audio output signals being output via the first and
third speaker drivers 104a/104c can be attenuated when the
electronic device 100 is in the first orientation 400a.
When orientation of the electronic device 100 is changed from the
first orientation 400a to the second orientation 400b, the audio
processor unit 310 can be configured to one of boost and attenuate
signal amplitudes of low frequency range audio signals in a manner
such that low frequency range audio output signals being output via
the third and fourth speaker drivers 104c/104d can be boosted
whereas low frequency range audio output signals being output via
the first and second speaker drivers 104a/104b can be
attenuated.
In another embodiment, based on one or both of control signals and
sensor signals, phase characteristics of the audio input signals
can be varied/controlled. For example, referring to FIG. 3c, FIG.
4a and FIG. 4b, the audio processor unit 310 can be configured
process audio input signals by phase shifting audio input signals
such there is a phase shift between the audio output signals being
output at the audio output portions 104.
Specifically, when the electronic device 100 is in the first
orientation 400a, the audio processor unit 310 can be configured to
process audio input signals by phase shifting audio input signals
such that there is a, for example, 45 degree phase shift between
the audio output signals being output via the first and second
speaker drivers 104a/104b. Similarly, there can be, for example, a
45 degree phase shift between the audio output signals being output
via the third and fourth speaker drivers 104c/104d when the
electronic device 100 is in the first orientation 400a.
When orientation of the electronic device 100 is changed from the
first orientation 400a to the second orientation 400b, the audio
processor unit 310 can be configured to process audio input signals
by phase shifting audio input signals such that there is a, for
example, 90 degree phase shift between the audio output signals
being output via the first and third speaker drivers 104a/104c.
Similarly, there can be, for example, a 90 degree phase shift
between the audio output signals being output via the second and
fourth speaker drivers 104b/104d when the electronic device 100 is
in the second orientation 400b.
Controlling/varying audio characteristics of the audio input
signals by the audio processor unit 310 based on one or both of
control signals and sensor signals can be analogous to the earlier
discussion regarding controlling/varying output of audio output
signals based on one or both of control signals and sensor
signals.
In one example, the audio processor unit 310 can be configured to
control/vary audio characteristics of audio input signals based on
the sensor signals communicated from the sensor unit 304. In
another example, the audio processor unit 310 can be configured to
control/vary audio characteristics of audio input signals based on
the control signals communicated from the central processor
306.
Additionally, as with controlling/varying output of audio signals,
controlling/varying audio characteristics of audio input signals
need not necessarily be based on physical positioning/physical
change in orientation of the electronic device 100.
Controlling/varying the audio characteristics of audio input
signals can also be possible even if the electronic device 100
remains stationary. For example, audio characteristics of audio
input signals can be varied/controlled based on the aforementioned
captured images of one or more user gestures.
Based on the foregoing, it is easily appreciable that the
electronic device 100 facilitates audio playback (i.e., output of
audio output signals) in a substantially more user friendly and/or
efficient manner as compared to conventional electronic audio
reproduction device. For example, directivity of output of audio
output signals from the electronic device 100 can be
adjusted/varied/controlled based on one or both of the
aforementioned control signals and sensor signals without having to
manually adjust, for example, listening position of the user.
Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary application 500 of the electronic
device 100 is shown. In the exemplary application 500, another
electronic device such as a media player device 510 can be coupled
to the electronic device 100. The media player device 510 can be
coupled to the electronic device 100 via one or both of wired
coupling and wireless coupling.
The media player device 510 can be configured to communicate audio
signals to the electronic device 100. In this regard, audio signals
communicated from the media player device 510 can correspond to
audio input signals. The electronic device 100 can be configured to
receive and process the audio input signals so as to produce audio
output signals. The audio output signals can be communicated to and
output at the audio output portions 104.
Therefore, in the exemplary application 500, audio signals
(corresponding to audio input signals) communicated from the media
player device 510 can be received at and processed by the
electronic device 100 to produce audio output signals which can be
communicated to, and output at, the audio output portions 104.
Additionally, the electronic device 100 can be configured to
receive and process audio signals communicated from the media
player device 510 in a manner analogous to the earlier
discussion(s) with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
Appreciably, the electronic device 100 can thus function as a
portable speaker for another electronic device such as the
aforementioned media player device 510.
In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the disclosure are
described for addressing at least one of the foregoing
disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by
the following claims, and are not to be limited to specific forms
or arrangements of parts so described and it will be apparent to
one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous
changes and/or modification can be made, which are also intended to
be encompassed by the following claims.
In one example, openings/perforations 202 can be arranged along the
sides 102c of the casing 202 instead of at the second face 102b of
the casing 102. Additionally, openings/perforations 202 can
optionally be arranged along the sides 102c and/or the second face
102b of the casing 202.
In another example, output of the audio output signals can be
varied/controlled in the context of time delay in the output of any
of, or any combination of, the audio output portions 104. In an
exemplary scenario, when the electronic device 100 is in the first
orientation 400a, audio output signals can be output from each of
the first to fourth speaker drivers 104a/104b/104c/104d at
substantially the same time. When orientation of the electronic
device 100 is changed from the first orientation 400a to the second
orientation 400b, output of audio output signals from the third and
fourth speaker drivers 104c/104d can be delayed by a predetermined
amount of time with respect to the first and second speaker drivers
104a/104b. In this regard, the electronic device 100 can further
include a delay module (not shown). The processing portion 300 can
be coupled to the delay module. The delay module can be further
coupled to the audio output portions 104. Based on one or both of
control signals and sensor signals, the delay module can be
configured to vary/control output of audio output signals in the
context of time delay.
In yet another example, controlling/varying output of audio output
signals and/or audio characteristics of audio input signals can be
further based on sound/voice control. For example, the electronic
device 100 can be configured to capture voice input of a user 410
using an audio detection unit (not shown) which can be coupled to
the central processor unit 306. The audio detection unit can, for
example, be a microphone. Captured voice input can be communicated
as voice input signals to the central processor unit 306 for
processing to produce control signals. The audio processor unit 310
can be configured to control/vary output of audio output signals
and/or audio characteristics of audio input signals based on the
control signals.
In yet a further example, the voice input signals can be
communicated to the audio processor unit 310. Based on the voice
input signals, the audio processor unit 310 can be configured to
control/vary output of audio output signals and/or audio
characteristics of audio input signals.
Furthermore, it can be appreciated that although the aforementioned
first and second orientations 400a/400b are discussed in the
context of changing orientation of the electronic device 100
between, for example, landscape orientation and portrait
orientation, other situations such as tilting the electronic device
100 from an initial rest position can also be considered to be
change in orientation.
For example, the electronic device 100 in an initial rest position
(for example, laying flat on a table top) can be considered to be a
first orientation 400a. A user 410 can tilt the electronic device
100 up from its initial rest position such that the electronic
device 100 is in a tilted position. The tilted position can be
considered to be a second orientation 400b. Therefore, by titling
the electronic device 100 from its initial rest position,
orientation of the electronic device 100 can be considered to have
changed from the first orientation 400a (i.e., initial rest
position) to the second orientation 400b (i.e., tilted
position).
Moreover, although it is mentioned that the sensor unit 304 can be
configured to sense/detect change in orientation of the electronic
device 100 and communicate sensor signals indicative of change in
orientation of the electronic device 100, it can be appreciated
that the sensor unit 304 can also be configured to sense/detect
movement of the electronic device 100 and communicate sensor
signals indicative of movement of the electronic device 100.
Movement of the electronic device 100 can, for example, be lateral
based movement.
For example, the user 410 can move the electronic device 100
between at least a first location and a second location.
Specifically, the user 410 can, for example, move the electronic
device 100 from a first location to a second location. More
specifically, the user 410 can, for example, move the electronic
device 100 from his/her left (i.e., first location) to his/her
right (i.e., second location). The sensor unit 304 can be
configured to sense/detect movement of the electronic device 100
from the left to the right of the user 410 and communicate sensor
signals indicative of the movement of the electronic device 100
(i.e., from the left to the right of the user 410).
The sensor signals can preferably be based upon to control/vary
output of audio output signals from the audio output portions 104
and/or audio characteristics of the audio input signals.
Alternatively the sensor signals can be processed to produce
control signals. Control signals and/or sensor signals can be based
upon to control/vary output of audio output signals and/or audio
characteristics of the audio input signals.
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